Leipzig is the largest city in the German state of Saxony. It is also the most industrially advanced city in the region. Another city in the state of Saxony is Halle, which is much smaller compared to Leipzig. Both cities share a common airport. Those traveling to these cities fly into the Leipzig/Halle Airport.

Leipzig, like most German cities, is very convenient to explore by bike. Leipzig is surrounded by beautiful rivers and canals and there are designated bike paths in almost every part of the city. There are a variety of public transportation alternatives in the city. The tram provides access to almost every part of Leipzig. In addition, there are train and bus routes that provide transportation to almost every part of the city. The LVB (Leipzig Transport Company) runs the public transportation network in the city.

You can buy tickets for public transportation vehicles from the company’s private offices. With one ticket you can travel within the city, including zone 110, for one hour and transfer between vehicles as much as you want. You can also purchase tickets from ticket machines located in many stations, and coin-operated ticket machines located in the trams, news stands, convenience stores, or stationary stores. You can also purchase a Leipzig Card at an LVB office or the Tourist Information in Leipzig. If you plan to use public transportation frequently in the city then these cards will be more affordable. The Leipzig Card even offers special discounts on guided tours of the city and discounts on admission to museums and cultural events. There are a variety of card types you can purchase, ranging from 1-day tickets to 3-day tickets, and 3-day group tickets. If you don’t want to use public transportation in the city then you can take a taxi or rent a car to get around Leipzig. The most preferred public transportation system in Halle is the tram. The Halle (Saale) Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station located in the city center. This station operates both inter-city trains and regional trains.

You can purchase a ticket to use on the public transportation system in Halle from the red ticket machines located in most stations. There are different ticket types available; you can purchase a single-use ticket, a ticket that is valid for 4 1-hour trips, or a one-week unlimited use ticket.

Transportation to Leipzig from the airport

There are many ways to get to the Leipzig city center from the airport. The airport provides special shuttle services that you can take advantage of. Other transportation alternatives include public transportation, such as the train or bus, or taxis, and rental cars.

Shuttle

The airport shuttle services provided by Leipzig/Halle Airport are the most comfortable method of transportation to get to your destination in the city after you land. These shuttles have the capacity to accommodate a maximum of 8 people and provide door-to-door transportation. This service offers a stress-free way to get to the city, departing soon after you land. To book the airport shuttle service you need to make a reservation at least one week before your flight.  

Train (S-Bahn)

Trains depart from the train station located right next to the airport and provide transportation to the central railway station, Leipzig Hauptbahnhof. There are two lines that run from the airport to the city. The Intercity (IC) line runs every 20-30 minutes. The inter-city train lines S5 and S5x run every 30 minutes and pass through the Leipzig Messe Train Station. The S5 or S5x trains are more affordable than the IC trains.

The S-Bahn train runs north to south in Leipzig, passing through the city center and stopping at the main train station, Bayerischer Train Station, and underground stations in Markt and Wilhelm-Leuschner Platz.

These trains also provide transportation to other parts of the city such as Connewitz, Stötteritz, Thekla and Miltitzer Allee.  

Bus

Buses are another transportation alternative to get to the city center from the airport. Buses run every 30 minutes and take approximately 30 minutes to get to the city center. There over 30 bus lines that operate throughout the city. Keep in mind that bus fares are more expensive when compared to the train. Most buses operate from 5:30 am to midnight.

The night bus, Nachtbus, begins operating after midnight. There are 10 night buses that operate throughout the city; these buses are appropriately named, from N1 to N10. These buses provide transportation between the city center and remote areas of the city. The majority of these buses overlap with certain sections of the main tram network.

Tram

Unfortunately there is no direct access to the airport by tram. However, the tram is frequently used for urban transportation. The tram provides access to many central parts of the city. There are many trams that operate throughout the day, running every 30 minutes and even more frequently during peak hours. After midnight the tram runs every hour. The tram fare is cheaper when compared to trains.

After 8 pm passengers must enter the vehicle through the front door and show the driver their ticket. There are a total of 13 tram lines that operate throughout the city.

The tram network is shaped like a star with a circle in the middle. The tram network runs from the outskirts of the city into the city center.

Rental Car

There are various rental car companies located at the airport. You can rent a car once you land or book a vehicle in advance by making a reservation online. However, keep in mind that there is heavy traffic in the city and access to parts of the city by car is limited. Therefore we wouldn’t recommend renting a car because it isn’t the best way to get around in the city.

Taxi

Taxis are a convenient transportation alternative to get to the city center. Taxis are readily available in front of Terminal B. However taxi fares are quite expensive and a taxi to the city center takes about as long as the train does. 

Transportation to Halle from the airport

One of the most practical transportation alternatives to get to Halle from the airport is by train. Another practical option is to utilize the shuttle services provided by the airport. You can also get to the city by taxi or rental car.

Shuttle

Just like in Leipzig, there are special shuttle services organized by the airport that provide door-to-door transportation. These vehicles have a maximum passenger capacity of 8 people. To use this service you need to make a reservation at least one week before your flight.

Train (S-Bahn)

After you land you can access the train by following the signs that read “Airport Central Train Station”. Trains run about every 30 minutes and get to the city center in approximately 11 minutes. You can purchase tickets for the train at the station.

The train is referred to as the S-Bahn. The S7 line provides transportation between the following stations: Halle-Nietleben, Halle-Neustadt, Halle Zscherbener Straße, Halle Südstadt, Halle-Silberhöhe, Halle Rosengarten, and Halle (Saale) Hauptbahnhof.

Bus

Buses also have an important role in urban transportation in the city. In fact there are inter-city buses you can take to travel to neighboring cities, especially from Halle to Leipzig. If you are planning on going to a city near Halle then consider taking the bus.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another transportation alternative to get to the city. There are various rental car companies located at the airport. You can also book your vehicle in advance by making a reservation online.

Taxi

Taxis are a comfortable transportation alternative to get to the city center from the airport. You can find taxis waiting outside of Terminal B.